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Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,745/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $589K $578K $527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.9x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,752
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,659
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montana State University's Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates start at $36,745/yr — above the $34,545 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Resources Conservation and Research career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,752 against $36,745/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Montana State University ranks #14 among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,745-to-$60,659 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montana State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health $80,060/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 256 schools offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research →

Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Other Schools

Columbia Southern University ($74,546) Bentley University ($68,600) Villanova University ($56,549) University of Maryland Global Campus ($55,545) George Washington University ($51,201) Northeastern University ($51,137) Massachusetts Maritime Academy ($50,931) American Public University System ($50,260)

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Montana State University vs Columbia Southern University → Montana State University vs University of Maryland Global Campus → Montana State University vs Massachusetts Maritime Academy → Montana State University vs American Public University System →

Other Majors at Montana State University

Construction Engineering Technologies ($77,139) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,060) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,915) Mechanical Engineering ($68,469) Civil Engineering ($67,373) Computer Engineering ($67,015) Computer Science ($66,918) Industrial Engineering ($64,082)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Resources Conservation and Research trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Montana State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Natural Resources Conservation and Research at Montana State University?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Montana State University one of the best schools for Natural Resources Conservation and Research?
Among 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs, Montana State University's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →